A Life Rooted in Service and Vision: Golden Jubilee of Fr Swebert S D’Silva SJ

On : 2025-06-13

St Joseph University, Bangalore | June 13, 2025

The Golden Jubilee of Fr Swebert S D’Silva SJ, Rector and Pro-Chancellor of St Joseph University, Bangalore, marking 50 years in the Society of Jesus, was celebrated with reverence and joy on Sunday, 13 June 2025.A solemn Eucharistic celebration at the university campus was at the heart of the celebration. Preaching the homily, Fr Clarence D’Souza SJ reflected on the question “Who is Jesus for me?”—a question central to the lives of St Ignatius of Loyola  Fr Pedro Arrupe SJ. He noted that Fr Swebert, too, has found his answer in a life shaped by challenges, commitment, and an unwavering faith in God. His journey, he said, echoes the Gospel of John 15:1–8: “Remain in me, as I remain in you.”

The felicitation programme included a heartfelt toast by Fr Denzil Lobo SJ, who reminisced about his decades-long association with the Jubilarian. He praised Fr Swebert’s dedicated service as teacher, principal, and administrator across the Josephite and Aloysian institutions in Bangalore and Mangalore. In a message of appreciation, Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, Provincial, highlighted Fr Swebert’s transformative leadership in shaping St Aloysius College into a deemed-to-be university, blending infrastructure development with value-based education. In his address, the Jubilarian expressed his deep gratitude to God and the Society of Jesus. He movingly recalled moments of trial, including undergoing bypass surgery at a young age, stating, “God may not have granted what I asked, but He has certainly given me what I needed.”

The Arrupe Nivas Jesuit community added grace to the occasion through their melodious choir. The celebrations concluded with a joyful Jesuit gathering, marking five decades of a life well-lived in the service of God and humanity.

 

— Fr Pradeep Anthony SJ